One of Rochdale’s most iconic landmarks, the Welcome to Rochdale; Arsehole of Europe’ signpost, has come under threat as Britain gears up for leaving the EU.

Rochdale has held the official European ‘Arsehole’ title for over twenty years now, however triggering a Brexit (which could still happen, everyone in the government seems to have gone a bit quiet about it but I suppose they’ve been a bit busy what with the Olympics and all) and our subsequent withdrawal from the EU could see the prestigious role being awarded to another European based excuse for a shitheap such as Aarhus or Baden Württemberg in an act of bitter sour grapery by emotionally hurt, jilted EU bigwigs.

We spoke to one Brussels insider: “There is no way Rochdale will be allowed to keep its Arsehole status post Brexit. In order to maintain any credibility, any deals the EU makes with Britain in the event of triggering artichoke 50 must be punitive, and send a very clear message out to any other countries thinking of pulling their own Brexit.” he told us. “If these arseholes think they can just swan out while having their cake and eating it, they can fu**king forget it, the *****erous *************nts”, he continued.

Plans are already underway for erecting a new sign bearing the legend ‘Welcome to Rochdale, Arsehole of Britain’, although reaction from local residents has been lukewarm at best.

A RORI poll quizzed over twelve locals on their opinion; “Meh’. was pretty much the universal response.